The expression and development of teachers' capacities within two learning communities : a participant-observer case study

dc.contributor.author

Pancucci, Sonya

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2010-10-27T14:45:52Z

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2010-10-27T14:45:52Z

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2010-10-27

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http://hdl.handle.net/10464/3080

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The learning community model has been an integral component of teacher
development in Ontarian schools and beyond. This research was conducted to understand
how teachers' personal capacity and professional, interpersonal, and organizational
competencies are developed and expressed within this context. Nineteen elementary
teachers and administrators participated in the study from November through January
2007. A qualitative case study methodology was used to investigate the role ofteachers'
capacities and competencies in learning communities. Combined data sources from
semistructured interviews, research journals, and document review were used to gather
data about teachers' capacities and competencies. The study included 3 phases of
analysis. In the final phase the analysis provided 3 qualities of the teachers at Jude and
Mountain Schools (pseudonyms): identification as professionals, investment in others,
and institutional affiliation that may explain how they differed from other educators. The
data revealed these three themes, which provided an understanding of educators at Jude
and Mountain Schools as dedicated professionals pushing practices to contribute to
school life and address student learning needs, and as teachers who reflected on practices
to continue expanding their skills. Teachers were heavily invested in creating a caring
culture and in students' and team members' learning. Educators actively participated in
solving problems and coplanning throughout the school levels and beyond, assumed
collective responsibility for all pupils, and focused on generating school-wide consistent
practices. These qualities and action patterns revealed teachers who invested time and
effort in their colleagues, who committed to develop as professionals, and who affiliated
closely with every aspect of school living.

en_US

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eng

en_US

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Brock University

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dc.subject

Teacher effectiveness

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Teachers -- Training of

en_US

dc.title

The expression and development of teachers' capacities within two learning communities : a participant-observer case study